Forget Brazil—The Models Everyone’s Talking About Now Are All From the Dominican Republic

Like any other fashion trend, model scouts tend to hone in on a locale (Brazil, Russia) and seek out the very best in what it has to offer, and this season, models from the Dominican Republic were front and center at nearly every big show. While Dominican catwalkers have always had a place in fashion, with stars like Omahyra Mota and Arlenis Sosa setting the standard, the Spring 2016 season provided a moment for the new generation to shine. Led by top models and close friends Ysaunny Brito and Lineisy Montero, the latest crop of Dominican beauties was a welcome addition to Fashion Week’s lineups in Paris and beyond.

Given her accomplishments, it’s hard to believe Montero has only been modeling for less than a year. In that short time she has snagged a Prada campaign, become Spring 16’s top runway walker, and racked up impressive work with top photographers like Steven Meisel and Paolo Roversi.

Photo: Michele Morosi / Indigitalimages.com

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Luisana Gonzalez

Nicolas Ghesquière’s Louis Vuitton runway has provided a promising start to many careers, and the latest model to make her presence felt at Vuitton is Gonzalez. Delivering a solid catwalk debut and displaying a look unlike anyone else in Paris, she set the stage for a fantastic postseason.

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Milly Reuter

Baby-faced and strong-browed, Reuter has made waves on the runway for labels like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rodarte, and Marques ‘ Almeida. An alum of Elite Model Look, Reuter is half German and half Dominican, and her serene beauty makes her capable of pulling off even the most experimental designer creations.

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Ysaunny Brito

Brito’s edgy haircut and tomboy style have made her an appealing presence on the runway for such labels as Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, and Akris. Off the runway, she’s a true chameleon, capable of showcasing her sexy side in Mario Sorrenti’s sensual imagery one minute, then transforming into an otherworldly being for Sølve Sundsbø.